Category Archives: Events

Our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, this year was once again a huge success.

We are so lucky to live in a village in this big city, where many of our residents and shopkeepers believe in contributing their time and effort — and cash — to making our community better in so many ways.

Having people who are willing to spare time for volunteer work is not something we take for granted, Life get’s so busy that it’s hard to fit in one more task. Yet, so many in this community make time despite the pressures, and for that we are so grateful.

For the second year, we held The Roncesvalles Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to thank those who contribute significant time to the enhancement of our street and the BIA’s community events.

Our special guest this year was Carolyn King of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, who was also an early champion of the Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden. She was involved in sharing heritage stories, and inspiring young artists in making designs for the Peace Path. She consulted on native trees and plants as well as the Garden design, and continues to be a Friend of the Peace Garden. Carolyn initiated the Moccasin Trail project, which marks places of Indigenous history and invites observers to understand why these places are significant. The Peace Garden is marked with the Anishinaabe moccasin design. Carolyn is a leader in advancing the causes of recognition, renewal and justice for her people. She encourages better relations with Canada’s Indigenous people, and is a model of inspiration for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people alike. To know her is to love her, and to laugh with her, whenever possible.

We gave special recognition to a few new volunteers and some who took on new roles:

Welcome Aboard Award for New Volunteers:

Daniele Stoddard: social media for Roncy Rocks and the Roncesvalles Polish Festival

Karen Pivnick and Ken: for adopting the native garden near The Westerley

Snowball Award for Volunteer taking on new roles

Rahel Schneeberger-Brown: for planting an edible garden at George Brown and spearheading activation of the north end during the Polish Festival, with the addition of a DJ stage, sponsored and operated by George Brown and friends

Alexis Victor: for her multiple roles including sponsorship, graphics, the Art Zone, and the Art Gallery at Back Lanes Studio

And last, but not least, a very special heartfelt thank you to David Neinstein of Barque Smokehouse and Barque Butcher Bar who orchestrated this wonderful event, and for our Masters of Ceremonies: Reverend Anne Hines of the Roncesvalles United Church and Brian Bertrand of the High Park Library who challenged our knowledge of the Village, kept us laughing, and helped make this evening one to remember.

Cześć!This weekend will mark the twelfth year of the Roncesvalles Polish Festival, the largest celebration of Polish Culture in North America!

Indulge in traditional Polish dishes including pierogi, kielbasa, bigos and cabbage rolls while dancing along with continuous live music on multiple stages including Polka and Euro Dance Bands, Polish folklore song and dance groups. Saturday night enjoy the ever-popular Dance Under The Stars polka party at the main stage.

You can expect to see our local shops and merchants with side walk sales and street front displays, over 40 local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bistros offering sample plates, along with expanded street patios.

There is excitement for the whole family! We have Midway rides, Carnival games, a Euro Car show, Art Zone and Historical Displays and so much fun you’ll have to come for both days!

On Saturday September 9th 2017 delve into local history with the Sunnyside Historical Society!

How did Roncesvalles Avenue get its name? Who was Constance Avenue named after? And what was daily life like in Parkdale and Roncesvalles in Pre-Confederation days? Learn this and more at the Roncesvalles Heritage Walk!

There will be skits and short discussions about the about one of this community’s founding families – the O’Haras, First Nations in the Roncesvalles area, the 1837 rebellion, and the Napoleonic wars. They will also have a presentation discussing the buildings and architecture along Roncesvalles.

When: Saturday, September 9th 2017 from 2:15PM – 4:00 PMWhere: Meet at the intersection of Dundas Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue in the Peace
Garden (In front of Startbucks)The Walk: From 2:30PM to 4:00PM from Dundas Street West along Roncesvalles to
the Queensway.Cost: FREE!The Weather: Please refer to the Sunnyside Historical Society Facebook
Page or visit their website in case of bad weather.French Language Walk: A French-language tour departs from Dundas West Subway Station at 2:00PM. Visit La Société d’Histoire de Toronto for more information.

It’s official, summer is here, albeit a rainy one but it is here and we couldn’t be more excited!

On June 17th we kicked off the season with the eighth year of Roncy Rocks, our annual Arts and Music Festival that celebrates the vibrancy of our community. The day was a great success thanks to sponsors, partners, members, musicians, artists and the Roncesvalles community.

The Kids and Family Entertainment Zones were bustling all day with families enjoying crafts, carnival style games and a wide variety of entertainment, including a skateboarding pot bellied pig named Petunia!

The Art Zone and Library Lawn was stacked with talented artists showing and selling their work, the Fashion Show featured beautiful offerings from Roncesvalles boutiques. As always, the music was a highlight of the day. From The Jessica Stuart Few to Trapper, to Danny Michel to the young and talented Moscow Apartment the entertainment did not disappoint!

Three weeks after the event we are still and will continue to be humbled by the community love and the smiles shared on June 17th. Thank you for making Roncy Rock!

The Roncy Rocks event team is ramping up to celebrate the neighbourhood along Roncesvalles Avenue on June 17th. Roncesvalles Village abounds with creative talent. Artists, entrepreneurs and other inspired community leaders and volunteers make marvellous things happen. They exemplify the spirit we cherish. Roncy Rocks celebrates this spirit by showcasing accomplished and rising local talent along Roncesvalles Avenue.

There will be something for everyone.

Music on the Main Stage at Wright Ave.

Music and a BBQ Demo with Mark Cullen at Grenadier Road

A juried Art Show in the Art Zone at Westminster featuring local artists

Fashion Shows on the steps of St. Vincent de Paul RC Church

Street-long sidewalk sale

Kids activities at Fern Ave.

Dog Show and family entertainment at Galley

Roncesvalles Avenue will NOT be closed. The 504 streetcar will continue to run up and down the street.

A small portion of four side streets adjoining Roncesvalles will be closed. The remaining part of these side streets will be two-way for the day.

Grenadier Road, east of Roncesvalles

Westminster Avenue, east of Roncesvalles

Wright Avenue, west of Roncesvalles

Galley Avenue, east of Roncesvalles

Local artists are invited to apply for space at this year’s Art Zone at Westminster Avenue. The application deadline for this juried show is May 28th. Artist’s Application Form.